Chase Freedom Rewards Changes...

[PepePeru]

I saw some forum members recommending this card every now and then, so in 2008, I got my card. I've been really happy with it so far, until today.

I got a letter in the mail, they are doing away with the $250.00 check for $200.00 in rewards on June 2nd. The problem is, I have 185.02 in rewards saved up and it doesn't look like I'll get 200.00 in time to get that extra $50. That $50.00 extra cash back was pretty much the selling point of this card to me. I've already cashed in $200.00 in rewards last year and claimed a $50.00 bonus.

I am fully expecting to end up at 196.00 when the change goes into effect.
I'm not pissed enough to cancel the card, since its still a decent rewards card.

 

[Mossimo142]

Actually the rewards card now sucks. I just went through this last night with them on the phone. I thought you were supposed to be automatically enrolled in the new one, since the old one went away. Not true. I tried to enroll online and an error popped up. I was able to get ahold of someone and she explained the benefits to me. They are quite lame.

It's 1% cash back on every purchase and 5% CB on four groups that rotate quarterly. You don't get the 5% cashback on those purchases until 6-8 weeks after the end of the quarter. You also have to enroll every quarter to get the cash back.

It's like they switched it hoping people wont enroll, and then hope they'll forget about enrolling every quarter. It's pretty worthless as a rewards card now.

You were right the 250 back for 200 was really nice.

 

[Platypus]

yeah they really gimped it, I got so much out of the card for the last 2 years.

 

[darkxshade]

interesting... fortunately I'm really close to 200... hopefully I can get that in before june 2nd

 

[PepePeru]

Actually the rewards card now sucks. I just went through this last night with them on the phone. I thought you were supposed to be automatically enrolled in the new one, since the old one went away. Not true. I tried to enroll online and an error popped up. I was able to get ahold of someone and she explained the benefits to me. They are quite lame.

It's 1% cash back on every purchase and 5% CB on four groups that rotate quarterly. You don't get the 5% cashback on those purchases until 6-8 weeks after the end of the quarter. You also have to enroll every quarter to get the cash back.

It's like they switched it hoping people wont enroll, and then hope they'll forget about enrolling every quarter. It's pretty worthless as a rewards card now.

You were right the 250 back for 200 was really nice.

I haven't done anything or enrolled. I was assuming I was just getting the same system, 3% on top 3, 1% on everything else.

So, if you don't enroll and re-enroll you just get 1% on everything?
Wow, that is lame, if I am understanding correctly.

 

[edro]

I got that letter like 6 months ago.
I was pissed because I was going to hit $200 at my next statement.
I called in to the rewards center and they said they would re-enable the $250 check for me, but it would be unavailable in the near future.
I logged in the next month and it appeared and I ordered and received it.

I logged in a few months ago and it was gone again.
I just logged in as I was typing this and the $250 check is 25,000 points still.

They bait you in with a promotion and then nerf it.
The government should have banned that in the latest consumer protection laws.

 

[darkxshade]

I just googled it and couldn't find any news on these changes... source?

And yea, I get 3% on top 5 categories since I also have a chase checking account. I just about put every purchase on that card to run up the $200 so I can get $250 cashback. Without it, I'd prob use the card less and pull out cashback in $50 increments. This might backfire on them in the long term.

 

[PepePeru]

I just googled it and couldn't find any news on these changes... source?

And yea, I get 3% on top 5 categories since I also have a chase checking account. I just about put every purchase on that card to run up the $200 so I can get $250 cashback. Without it, I'd prob use the card less and pull out cashback in $50 increments. This might backfire on them in the long term.

Well my source is the letter that I received in the mail today. I can provide a picture of the letter when I get home if you want...lol.

It seems its happened to others earlier this year & last on a thread I see on SD and FW.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't sending these letters when you're really close to cashing in and then changing the terms on you...

Since there's no benefit of banking rewards to $200.00 I'll likely do the same, get my cash back as soon as it's available.

 

[Mossimo142]

It's no longer 3% on your top 3 purchases and 1% on everything else. If you don't take my word for it call them and ask about it. She told me you have to enroll every quarter. It is extremely lame and really lacking in any "rewards". I think they promo with other places likeyou can get 10% back shopping at Home Depot through their site though.

STill overall, very lame.

 

[darkxshade]

Well my source is the letter that I received in the mail today. I can provide a picture of the letter when I get home if you want...lol.

It seems its happened to others earlier this year & last on a thread I see on SD and FW.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't sending these letters when you're really close to cashing in and then changing the terms on you...

Since there's no benefit of banking rewards to $200.00 I'll likely do the same, get my cash back as soon as it's available.

No need to provide pic, I'll take your word for it though I think it's not something they're doing on all cards. They're just half assing this. I certainly did not receive such a letter yet.

 

[darkxshade]

It's no longer 3% on your top 3 purchases and 1% on everything else. If you don't take my word for it call them and ask about it. She told me you have to enroll every quarter. It is extremely lame and really lacking in any "rewards". I think they promo with other places likeyou can get 10% back shopping at Home Depot through their site though.

STill overall, very lame.

I haven't enrolled in anything but my statements have generally come in with a section that tells me the 5 categories I got bonus cashback in and its cashback amounts. /shrug

 

[bmwme]

Yeah this happened to me a long long time ago (like almost a year) after I ordered my second $250 check. It was an awesome program! I got $100 after my first purchase too! WOW

I don't like it but I can't blame them. Now that the government is forcing CC companies to not raise the rates on higher risk card holders the good card holders like me get screwed. THANKS! Just another example of the government catering to the people who don't take responsibility of their own situations.

I still use the card and I'm now a "Sapphire" card holder. I don't know if it is any better but it sure looks peerty!

 

[Ionizer86]

At $185.02, you only need $15 more to hit the threshold. You still have a statement cycle right? Go buy yourself $500 in gift cards at your favorite grocery, preferably one that also sells gift cards to other stores, so you maintain liquidity. Then you can hit $200, get your $250 check, and bid your Chase Freedom with "Ultimate Rewards" good riddance.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

DAMNIT. im at $154.

So is this a "Everyone gets switched over" or is this a slow individual basis thing?

 

[nickbits]

Mine changed last year. At the time, I thought I was one of the last ones to get converted, guess not!!

 

[PepePeru]

DAMNIT. im at $154.

So is this a "Everyone gets switched over" or is this a slow individual basis thing?

Oh, I'm sure you'll get your letter when you're about to $180 in rewards...

 

[Anonemous]

I guess they switch it over as you are about to hit $200.

 

[cloude27]

Oh, I'm sure you'll get your letter when you're about to $180 in rewards...

I got the same letter yesterday, I'm at 177, not that happy about being switched.

 

[darkxshade]

dang it, I got the letter yesterday too... just checked, I'm at $187... this is fuckin bullshit!

 

[Anonemous]

/nowhere near 200 and hasn't gotten letter.